Green Governance and Environmental Safety in Global Supply Chains: Integrating Legal, Environmental, and Trade Network Approaches

Project Title: Green Governance and Environmental Safety in Global Supply Chains: Integrating Legal, Environmental, and Trade Network Approaches

Host Institution: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) — School of Management and Law (SML)
Potential Supervisor: [Name, to be confirmed]
Fellow: Dr. Grigol (Gia) Abramia

1. Research Context and Motivation

The proposed project builds on the ZHAW SML initiative exploring the formation and evolution of firm-level trade relationships within global supply chains. While this research advances our understanding of economic linkages and network resilience, current models often overlook environmental and legal dimensions that are critical in the era of the EU Green Deal and sustainable trade governance.

To bridge this gap, the project introduces an integrated environmental and regulatory layer into trade network analysis, investigating how environmental safety, green economy policies, and compliance with legal frameworks influence firm behavior, competitiveness, and trade flows.

2. Objectives and Research Questions

The project will:

1. Model environmental and legal risk factors within dynamic trade networks, including exposure to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) hazards and related compliance mechanisms.

2. Develop policy and legal frameworks to identify, monitor, and prevent the export or trade of environmentally polluted products.

3. Assess the role of green innovation and certification systems in enhancing the resilience and sustainability of global supply chains.

4. Design applied policy tools for EU and EU Association Agreement (AA) countries to harmonize environmental safety and trade standards.

3. Methodology and Approach

Combining trade theory, network analysis, and environmental governance, the research will apply both quantitative firm-level data analysis and qualitative legal review. It will integrate:

• EU environmental and trade law analysis (Green Deal, CBAM, circular economy directives, ESG frameworks).

• Data-driven modelling of supply-chain risk exposure.

• Stakeholder consultation and policy design workshops with regulators, industry, and academia.
  A secondment phase is envisioned with a European policy institution or environmental agency to strengthen the applied policy dimension.

4. Expected Impact

• A new interdisciplinary framework linking trade networks with environmental safety and compliance.

• Policy recommendations for sustainable trade governance and green economy development.

• Creation of an East–West platform for research, education, and policy exchange on environmental safety and sustainable production.

• Contribution to EU Green Transition and Horizon Europe objectives.

5. Fellow’s Profile and Added Value

Dr. Grigol Abramia is an environmental practitioner and legal specialist, holding a Diploma in Comparative Review of EU and Georgian Environmental Legislation and a PhD in Biological and Chemical Engineering.
He is the author of the “Guide and Data Source Book for Entrepreneurs” (environmental safety and compliance manual) and has extensive experience in developing environmental policy documents, managing interdisciplinary research, and promoting sustainable business practices.

His expertise in environmental law, policy, and applied science will enrich ZHAW’s trade and economics research with crucial sustainability and regulatory insights, ensuring societal and policy relevance.

Keywords: environmental safety, green economy, trade networks, sustainability governance, CBRN risk, legal compliance, EU Green Deal, international economics.